George Gershwin was born
Beginning of the composer’s lifetime.
What's this piece like?
George Gershwin’s Three Preludes is a set of short piano pieces first performed by the composer in 1926 at New York City’s Roosevelt Hotel. Blending early-20th-century American classical style with strong jazz influences, the three works together last about five minutes. Gershwin had originally planned to write 24 preludes titled The Melting Pot, but the set was gradually reduced to three for publication. Some of the unused preludes were reworked into other pieces, such as Short Story for violin and piano.
The second prelude, in C# minor, has a distinct jazz and blues feel. It begins with a gentle, winding melody over a steady bass, using harmonies built on thirds and highlighting the blues scale. A contrasting middle section with the melody in the bass shifts the key, tempo, and theme before returning to the opening material. Gershwin described it as “a sort of blues lullaby,” ending with a soft rise up the keyboard.
Who's this piece for?
Ideal for intermediate pianists who like inspiring, relaxing and dreamy pieces.
Ranking
Equivalent to RCM level 4
Equivalent to ABRSM level 5
Equivalent to Suzuki book 5
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George Gershwin was 28 years old
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Sources & credits
Wikipedia · Wikidata (CC0); Wikipedia contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0). Text may be edited by PianoLIT.Image
· Unknown authorUnknown author https://www.ilcornodafrica.it/passo-uarieu/ · CC BY-SA 4.0
George Gershwin died
End of the composer’s lifetime.
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